Recent posts: cumbia

Heading towards the end of 2016 and the myriad of concerts and fests held throughout the year, it’s time to reflect back on the musical acts that delivered stand-out performances. The ones where months later, you are STILL talking about them. One such performance making #CarlitasCut came from Oakland based GENRE-banding cumbia band La Misa Negra at Boise, Idaho’s Treefort Fest. After viewing a clip of the octet performing on YouTube, they were a must-see act, whipping the jumping crowd into a frenzy after midnight, causing the floor to shake and move with every note. Later in the year, the group would eventually take their energy to Napa Valley’s Bottle Rock Fest which also featured the likes of Stevie Wonder, Lenny Kravitz, Red Hot Chili Peppers and more.

With the snow-capped mountains and foothills in the distance, I made the short trip from Cali last weekend to attend the fifth edition of Boise’s Treefort Music Fest. On the quest for a new adventure and exploration of a new city, the atypical lineup intrigued and drew me in as I justified the three hour flight commute up north. I gambled that I’d enjoy it because the fests off the beaten path and under the mainstream radar tend to be the best and Treefort fell into this category. There’s no stadium, no humongous park or jumbotron to make the music fan feel like an ant in a sea of thousands. With food, ale and skateforts providing fun during the day, the artists playing intimate, live music at the cozy venues around the city thrilled each night.